Qualification Pathway | Children and young people | Careers in care

Qualifications for working with children and young people

Use the five icons below to find out more about the pathways and then scroll down to start exploring the qualifications.

Here is some more helpful guidance about using the pathways.

Working with children

Career Pathway

Job examples at SCQF level 6

Support worker in a day care of children service

This can include nurseries, family centres, after school and holiday clubs. When you get a job you’ll register with the SSSC. Unless you’re already qualified you’ll work towards an SVQ or NC at SCQF level 6. A Foundation Apprenticeship can give you a head start gaining the full the SVQ.

Other role examples

If you want to become a childminder or youth justice worker, for example, you won’t register with the SSSC however these qualifications could be useful in your career. If you want to support children and young people in their own homes you should look at the qualifications in the social services and healthcare page.

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Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services Children and Young People

Information
Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 6

What’s it like?

This is a two-year apprenticeship for students in the senior phase of secondary school and is taken alongside qualifications like National 5s and Highers. You’ll attend college each week, get work experience in a childcare setting and gain part of an industry recognised qualification.

SSSC registration

This qualification contains most of the units within the SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 6. The full SVQ meets SSSC registration requirements for:

• support worker in a day care of children service.

Career opportunities

If you start work and register with the SSSC we will give you time to complete the SVQ. You could also progress to a Modern Apprenticeship in Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 7 or study towards an HNC at college.

Access

Choose this qualification when you make your subject choices for fifth year in school. If you can’t see it as a choice you should speak to your careers adviser to see if it is offered at your local college.

You’ll need to be interested in working with children and young people before you apply, but you can still choose a different career direction after you finish. Some colleges may want you to do certain subjects at school at National 5 or Higher level, for example English is useful because communication skills are important in this career.

Did you know?

This qualification shares common units with:

Please be aware, the link/s below may take you to another pathway.

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Working with children SVQ Social Services Children and Young People

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Working with children NC Early Education and Childcare

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Social Services and Healthcare Modern Apprenticeship Social Services and Healthcare

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Social Services and Healthcare SVQ Social Services and Healthcare
Career Progression

SVQ Social Services Children and Young People

Information
SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 6

Previously known as SVQ 2

What’s it like?

You can apply for this SVQ when you’re in work. You’ll meet regularly with an assessor who will show you how to complete reflective writing assignments and observe you using your skills to support children and young people.

SSSC registration

This qualification meets the SSSC qualification requirement for:

support worker in a day care of children service.

Career opportunities

The SVQ will help you care for children confidently and take part in activities to plan and support their learning. Once you gain more experience you might like to progress to qualifications at SCQF level 7 which could widen the job opportunities available to you.

Access

You don’t need previous qualifications to complete this SVQ. You need to be in work and your employer can help you find a training centre or college to assess you.

Did you know?

This SVQ shares common units with:

Please be aware, the link/s below may take you to another pathway.

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Social Services and Healthcare SVQ Social Services and Healthcare

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Social Services and Healthcare Modern Apprenticeship Social Services and Healthcare
Career Progression

NC Early Education and Childcare

Information
NC Early Education and Childcare at SCQF level 6

What’s it like?

This college qualification is widely available and is usually studied full time. You’ll learn about child development and the importance of play in early education through work experience, taking part in lectures, online study and group work.

SSSC registration

This NC meets the SSSC qualification requirement for:

support worker in a day care of children service.

Career opportunities

The SVQ will help you care for children confidently and take part in activities to plan and support their learning. Once you gain more experience you might like to progress to qualifications at SCQF level 7 which could widen the job opportunities available to you. This is also a useful qualification for people who are interested in a career as a childminder.

Access

Entry requirements apply and you’ll likely need qualifications at SCQF level 5 or above. If you don’t meet the entry requirements the college may offer you a different course to start with. Examples are:

Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare National 4

Skills for Work: Early Learning and Childcare National 5

NC Child, Health and Social Care at SCQF level 5.

There is a range of support available so you should always speak with the college if you’re not sure. You need to show a genuine interest in this career and work experience could be valuable in securing a place. If you don’t have any you should look for opportunities to volunteer or arrange to speak with a friend or relative who works in childcare to get a better understanding of what the career is like.
Career Progression

Job examples at SCQF levels 7 and 8

Practitioner in a day care of children service

Caring for children who live away from home

In residential childcare you can give children a loving, nurturing home environment. Or, in residential special schools you can provide specialised learning support. When you get a job you’ll register with the SSSC. Unless you’re already qualified you’ll work towards an SVQ, Modern Apprenticeship or HNC at SCQF level 7. Some roles require you to hold an SVQ and HNC (or equivalent). Check the details of these qualifications to find out more.

Other role examples

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Modern Apprenticeship Social Services Children and Young People

Information
Modern Apprenticeship Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 7

Also known as Modern Apprenticeship Level 3

What’s it like?

Apply for a modern apprenticeship and work towards an SVQ, as well as core skills in numeracy and information technology. As an apprentice you can expect to access training and get support from a mentor.

SSSC registration

This modern apprenticeship meets the SSSC qualification requirement for:

practitioner in a day care of children service

school or house staff in an independent boarding school

worker in residential childcare, a school hostel or a residential special school (must also achieve an HNC Social Services or an award of 96 academic credits at SCQF level 7 or above)

You may find this qualification useful in roles which don’t currently require SSSC registration, for example childminder or youth justice support worker.

Career opportunities

You’ll be employed while you complete your training. Your employer may offer you a permanent job after you qualify.

As you build your experience you can take your learning further with qualifications at SCQF levels 8 and 9. This could help you apply for promoted posts.

Access

Search apprenticeships.scot or look out for vacancies advertised by local employers, training centres and colleges. You can do an apprenticeship at any age however some vacancies may specify an age range.

You may be able to access modern apprenticeship funding if you are already employed. Speak to your employer and training provider about this.

Did you know?

This modern apprenticeship shares common units with:

Please be aware, the link/s below may take you to another pathway.

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Social Services and Healthcare SVQ Social Services and Healthcare

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Social Services and Healthcare Modern Apprenticeship Social Services and Healthcare
Career Progression

SVQ Social Services Children and Young People

Information
SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 7

Previously known as SVQ 3

What’s it like?

You can apply for this SVQ when you’re in work. You’ll complete reflective writing assignments and be observed using your skills to support children and young people. Before you start, you’ll need to develop a strong knowledge base in a range of subjects including child development.

SSSC registration

This SVQ meets the SSSC qualification requirement for:

practitioner in a day care of children service

school or house staff in an independent boarding school

worker in residential childcare, a school hostel or a residential special school (must also achieve an HNC Social Services or an award of 96 academic credits at SCQF level 7 or above).

You may find this qualification useful in roles which don’t currently require SSSC registration, for example childminder or youth justice support worker.

Career opportunities

This SVQ will help you demonstrate your confidence supporting children and young people. As you build your experience you might like to progress to qualifications at SCQF levels 8 and 9. This could help you apply for promoted posts.

Access

You need to be in employment and your employer will help you find a training centre to assess you. Before you start you need existing knowledge and experience. Completing the SVQ at SCQF level 6 is good preparation.

Did you know?

This SVQ shares common units with:

Please be aware, the link/s below may take you to another pathway.

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Social Services and Healthcare SVQ Social Services and Healthcare

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Social Services and Healthcare Modern Apprenticeship Social Services and Healthcare

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Working with children HNC Childhood Practice
Career Progression

HNC Childhood Practice

Information
HNC Childhood Practice at SCQF level 7

What’s it like?

This college qualification is widely available across Scotland. It’s often studied full time although some colleges may offer part time. You’ll study care in modern society, leadership, health and wellbeing, child development and how to support children’s learning through play. This HNC involves academic lectures, assignments and work experience placements.

SSSC registration

This HNC meets the SSSC qualification requirement for:

practitioner in a day care of children service

school or house staff in an independent boarding school.

Residential childcare workers need to achieve an SVQ plus an HNC (or equivalent academic award). There are common units in the SVQ and HNC to support this.

You may find this qualification useful in roles which don’t currently require SSSC registration, for example childminder.

Career opportunities

The HNC may help you access a university degree course, for example social work or teaching. Other entry requirements apply for these degrees and you’ll likely need Higher English and National 5 Maths (or equivalent).

Access

You’ll need qualifications at SCQF level 6, for example Highers. You can also gain entry with the NC Early Education and Childcare. Make sure you speak with the college if you’re not sure about entry requirements because they can give you specific advice and help you get started.

You will need some existing knowledge and the college may require voluntary or paid work experience.

Did you know?

This SVQ shares common units with:

Please be aware, the link/s below may take you to another pathway.

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Working with children SVQ Social Services Children and Young People
Career Progression

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HND Childhood Practice

Information
HND Childhood Practice at SCQF level 8

What’s it like?

This college qualification is widely available across Scotland and builds on the knowledge and skills gained in qualifications at SCQF level 7.

You’ll study enhanced professional practice and grow your leadership and team working skills. Much of the learning will be formal writing and research based and you’ll also complete two SVQ units in a work placement.

SSSC registration

This HND is not used for registration. However as part of the HND you will complete an SVQ or HNC at SCQF level 7 so you can look at those qualifications to see which registration categories apply.

Career opportunities

The HND Childhood Practice is one way of progressing directly to a Professional Development Award in Childhood Practice at SCQF level 9. It can also give you advanced entry to the BA Childhood Practice and the university will decide your entry point. Look at the information for these qualifications for more detail.

Access

The HND is described as the second year of the HNC and this is the typical access route. However, many colleges will accept the SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 7 for entry if you have chosen a work-based learning path.

Did you know?

This qualification can help you progress to:

Please be aware, the link/s below may take you to another pathway.

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Working with children PDA Childhood Practice

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Working with children BA Childhood Practice
Career Progression
PDA Childhood Practice

Information
Professional Development Award (PDA) in Childhood Practice at SCQF level 8

What’s it like?

You need to be in work or have access to a placement to apply for this Professional Development Award (PDA). It will support you to enhance your professional practice and grow your leadership and team working skills.

SSSC registration

This PDA is not used for registration. You should already hold an HNC or SVQ at SCQF level 7. You can look at the information for these qualifications to find out which registration categories apply.

Career opportunities

This is one way of progressing directly to a PDA Childhood Practice at SCQF level 9. It can also give you advanced entry to the BA Childhood Practice and the university will decide your entry point. Look at the information for these qualifications for more detail.

Access

If you are in work you can speak with your employer and they’ll help you find a college or training centre. It might be possible to apply if you are not employed but instead have access to a work placement. In this case you can look online to see where it is available and speak directly with the college or training provider.

Did you know?

This qualification can help you progress to:

Please be aware, the link/s below may take you to another pathway.

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Working with children PDA Childhood Practice

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Working with children BA Childhood Practice
Career Progression

Job examples at SCQF levels 9 and 10

Supervisors, managers and care inspectors

Check the details in each qualification to find out which of the following SSSC registration categories they meet:

lead practitioner or manager in a day care of children service
supervisor or manager in residential childcare and schools
care inspector.

Other role examples

Not all roles require SSSC registration. If you are in a relevant role in social services these qualifications may help you build your career.

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Technical Apprenticeship Social Services Children and Young People

Information
Technical Apprenticeship Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 9

Also known as Technical Apprenticeship Level 4

What’s it like?

This is an advanced apprenticeship for people already employed in social services. Alongside an SVQ you’ll study for career skills like managing teams and budgets.

SSSC registration

This apprenticeship meets the full SSSC qualification requirement for:

residential childcare worker with supervisory responsibilities

It meets the SSSC practice qualification requirement for:

manager of a residential childcare or school care accommodation service

Managers must also achieve a management qualification, such as the SVQ Care Services Leadership and Management at SCQF level 10.

Career opportunities

This qualification demonstrates that you can lead practice in the workplace and take responsibility for the learning of others. It is a useful qualification if you want to progress into a management role.

Access

You need significant experience in a children and young people’s setting and leadership responsibilities. It is recommended you complete the SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 7 or HNC Childhood Practice first.

Your employer can help you look for a suitable training centre or college. Training centres can apply for a financial contribution from Skills Development Scotland towards the cost of apprenticeships which could reduce the cost of the qualification to you or your employer. Contribution rates vary but are available for people of any age.

Did you know?

It can help you build credit towards:

Professional Development Award in Childhood Practice at SCQF level 9

BA Childhood Practice

This apprenticeship shares common units with:

Please be aware, the link/s below may take you to another pathway.

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Social Services and Healthcare SVQ Social Services and Healthcare

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Social Services and Healthcare Technical Apprenticeship Social Services and Healthcare

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Working with children SVQ Care Services Leadership and Management

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Social Services and Healthcare Professional Apprenticeship Care Services Leadership and Management
Career Progression

SVQ Social Services Children and Young People

Information
SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 9

Previously known as SVQ 4

What’s it like?

You can apply for this SVQ when you’re in work. You need a higher level of experience and leadership responsibilities to complete this SVQ. You’ll complete reflective writing assignments and be observed supporting children and your colleagues at work.

SSSC registration

This qualification meets the full SSSC qualification requirement for:

residential childcare worker with supervisory responsibilities.

It meets the SSSC practice qualification requirement for:

manager of a residential childcare service, school hostel, residential special school or independent boarding school.

Managers must also achieve a management qualification, such as the SVQ Care Services Leadership and Management at SCQF level 10.

Career opportunities

This qualification demonstrates that you can lead practice in the workplace and take responsibility for the learning of others. It is a useful qualification if you want to progress into a management role.

Access

You need to be in employment and your employer will help you find a training centre or college. You’ll need significant experience and it is recommended that you already have the SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 7 or the HNC Childhood Practice.

Did you know?

This SVQ shares common units with:

Please be aware, the link/s below may take you to another pathway.

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Social Services and Healthcare SVQ Social Services and Healthcare

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Social Services and Healthcare Technical Apprenticeship Social Services and Healthcare

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Social Services and Healthcare SVQ Care Services Leadership and Management

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Social Services and Healthcare Professional Apprenticeship Care Services Leadership and Management
Career Progression

PDA Childhood Practice

Information
Professional Development Award (PDA) in Childhood Practice at SCQF level 9

What’s it like?

This PDA focuses on leadership, working with other professionals and supporting the development of workers so that the best outcomes are achieved for children. It meets the SSSC Standard for Childhood Practice. It will help you develop your confidence as a leader and increase your ability to connect theory, practice and policy.

SSSC registration

This PDA meets the SSSC qualification requirement for:

Lead practitioner or manager in a day care of children service.

You’ll need to hold a practice award like an HNC or SVQ at SCQF level 7 before you can access this PDA.

Career opportunities

This qualification recognises your expertise and leadership role in childhood practice. It is a useful qualification if you want to pursue a career as a care inspector.

Access

Access to the PDA Childhood Practice at SCQF level 9 is by recognition of prior learning. To enter you will need 120 credits at SCQF level 7 and 120 credits at level 8. You can build the credit you need flexibly across your career and some examples are below.

Example 1. An SVQ at level 7 plus an SVQ at level 9. These two awards would help you meet many of the credits you need. You can speak with the college or training provider to access additional learning before you enter the PDA at level 9.

Example 2. An SVQ at level 7 or HNC, plus the PDA at level 8. Like the example above you will have many of the credits you need and can access additional learning before you enter the PDA at level 9.

Example 3. An HND Childhood Practice should allow direct entry to the PDA at level 9 if you have the appropriate work experience.

Example 4. With some practice degrees recognised by SSSC, for example BA (Hons) Social Work, you need 60 childhood practice credits at level 9 to meet registration requirements for lead practitioner or manager. Speak with the college or training provider to find out if they can offer this.
Career Progression

BA Childhood Practice

Information
BA Childhood Practice degree at SCQF level 9

What’s it like?

The BA Childhood Practice focuses on leadership, working with other professionals and supporting the development of workers so that the best outcomes are achieved for children. It meets the SSSC Standard for Childhood Practice. It will help you develop your confidence as a leader and increase your ability to connect theory, practice and policy.

SSSC registration

The BA Childhood Practice meets the SSSC qualification requirement for:

Lead practitioner or manager in a day care of children service.

You’ll need to hold a practice award like an HNC or SVQ at SCQF level 7 before you can access the BA.

Career opportunities

This qualification recognises your expertise and leadership role in childhood practice. It is a useful qualification if you want to pursue a career as a care inspector.

Access

Access to the BA Childhood Practice is by recognition of prior learning. A degree has three levels each with 120 credits. You need 120 credits at SCQF level 7, 120 credits at SCQF level 8 and finally 120 credits at SCQF level 9 to graduate. The university will decide your entry point. Here are some examples.

Example 1. An HNC or SVQ at level 7 will allow entry to the BA degree at level 7. The credit from your SVQ or HNC will go towards the 120 credits you need to complete this level.

Example 2. An SVQ at level 7 plus an SVQ at level 9. These two awards would help you meet credits at levels 7 and 8. The university should offer you accelerated entry to level 8.

Example 3. An HND Childhood Practice will allow entry to level 8, and some universities may allow direct entry to level 9.

Example 4. With some practice degrees which are recognised by SSSC, for example BA (Hons) Social Work, you need 60 childhood practice credits to meet registration requirements for lead practitioner or manager. Speak with the university to find out if they can offer this.
Career Progression

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Other university courses University practice qualifications

Information
Other university courses accepted for SSSC registration

If you have a practice based degree you may be able to use it for registration with the SSSC in a children and young people’s service.

This means you can practise and supervise in day care of children or residential childcare services. You may be able to use your degree as a care inspector but there are some exceptions so make sure you check information on our main website at www.sssc.uk.com

We accept the following:

Social work

BA (Hons) Social Work or equivalent. Visit the social work page to learn more.

Community learning and development

Degree/Diploma in Community Education as recognised by the Standards Council for Community Learning and Development for Scotland Approvals Committee.

Nursing

A qualification meeting the registration requirements of the Nursing and Midwifery Council.

Teaching

A qualification meeting the registration requirements of the General Teaching Council for Scotland.

Allied health professions

A qualification meeting the registration requirements for the following professional groups regulated by the Health and Care Professions Council:

occupational therapists

art, music and drama therapists

physiotherapists

speech and language therapists

practitioner psychologists.

If you register as a manager, we’ll ask you to complete additional learning. In a day care of children service you’ll need 60 credits of a childhood practice award, for example BA or PDA Childhood Practice. In residential childcare you would need an SVQ Care Services Leadership and Management at SCQF level 10.
Career Progression

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Professional Apprenticeship Care Services Leadership and Management

Information
Professional Apprenticeship Care Services Leadership and Management at SCQF level 10

Also known as Professional Apprenticeship Level 4

What’s it like?

This is an advanced apprenticeship for people who manage care services. Alongside an SVQ you’ll study for career skills like managing teams and budgets.

SSSC registration

This qualification meets the SSSC management qualification requirement for:

manager of a residential childcare service, school hostel, residential special school or independent boarding school

manager of an adult day care, care home, care at home or housing support service

Managers must also hold a practice qualification suitable for their workplace, such as the SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 9 or SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF level 9. A range of university practice degrees including social work and nursing are also accepted.

Career opportunities

As a manager you’ll play a key role in developing and valuing workers so they are able to deliver best practice. There are a range of continuous professional development opportunities available. This can include local or national training programmes, personal study and qualifications designed to enhance your expertise in specific areas of practice.

Access

You need significant experience in a care setting and management responsibilities. Your employer can help you look for a suitable training centre or college. Training centres can apply for a financial contribution from Skills Development Scotland towards the cost of apprenticeships which could reduce the cost of the qualification to you or your employer. Contribution rates vary but are available for people of any age.
Career Progression

SVQ Care Services Leadership and Management

Information
SVQ Care Services Leadership and Management at SCQF level 10

Also known as SVQ Level 4

What’s it like?

This work based qualification is for care service managers. To complete this you will demonstrate your skills in collaborative working, developing good practice, leading care provision and managing strategy, policy and finances.

SSSC registration

This qualification meets the SSSC management qualification requirement for:

manager of a residential childcare service, school hostel, residential special school or independent boarding school

manager of an adult day care, care home, care at home or housing support service.

Managers must also hold a practice qualification suitable for their workplace, such as the SVQ Social Services (Children and Young People) at SCQF level 9 or SVQ Social Services and Healthcare at SCQF level 9. A range of university practice degrees including social work and nursing are also accepted.

Career opportunities

As a manager you’ll play a key role in developing and valuing workers so they are able to deliver best practice.

There are a range of continuous professional development opportunities available. This can include local or national training programmes, personal study and qualifications designed to enhance your expertise in specific areas of practice.

Access

You need significant experience in a care setting and management responsibilities.

Your employer can help you look for a suitable training centre or college.
Career Progression
PDA Scrutiny and Improvement Practice Social Services

Information
Professional Development Award (PDA) in Scrutiny and Improvement Practice (Social Services) at SCQF level 10

What’s it like?

This PDA was designed to meet the Inspectors of Health and Social Care Standards. It covers areas such as frameworks for scrutiny practice and promoting improvement.

The knowledge, skills and values that you develop will help you work in partnership with care services and make sure the people they support achieve the very best outcomes.

SSSC registration

This qualification meets part of the SSSC qualification requirement for:

Care inspector (SCSWIS authorised officer).

To become a care inspector you must already hold a suitable practice qualification (usually at SCQF level 9 or above) for example in social work, social services, childhood practice, nursing, teaching or selected allied health professions. You should check our main website for more detail www.sssc.uk.com

Career opportunities

This award is aimed at inspectors, strategic inspectors, professional advisors and team managers in the Care Inspectorate. It can help you gain new knowledge and confidence so you can deliver high quality scrutiny and improvement. Progression can include masters study at SCQF level 11.

Access

This is a work-based qualification which you will complete once you are employed as a care inspector.
Career Progression

Qualifications for working with children and young people

Working with children

Career Pathway

Job examples at SCQF level 6

Support worker in a day care of children service

Other role examples

6

Foundation Apprenticeship Social Services Children and Young People

SVQ Social Services Children and Young People

NC Early Education and Childcare

Job examples at SCQF levels 7 and 8

Practitioner in a day care of children service

Caring for children who live away from home

Other role examples

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Modern Apprenticeship Social Services Children and Young People

SVQ Social Services Children and Young People

HNC Childhood Practice

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HND Childhood Practice

PDA Childhood Practice

Job examples at SCQF levels 9 and 10

Supervisors, managers and care inspectors

Other role examples

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Technical Apprenticeship Social Services Children and Young People

SVQ Social Services Children and Young People

PDA Childhood Practice

BA Childhood Practice

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Other university courses University practice qualifications

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Professional Apprenticeship Care Services Leadership and Management

SVQ Care Services Leadership and Management

PDA Scrutiny and Improvement Practice Social Services

Partners

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